Pittsburgh Welcomes the PM Industry with Open Arms
After more than 30 years away, the powder metallurgy (PM) industry reconvened in Pittsburgh for PowderMet2024 and AMPM2024 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Returning to pre-COVID registration levels, 886 delegates from 25 countries took part in technical presentations, special interest programs, educational tutorials, and the largest PM exhibit in the Americas. The trade exhibition featured companies highlighting the latest raw materials, equipment, and services. The annual poster display was robust thanks to 45 students that received conference grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology (CPMT).
The conference began June 16 with the 18th Annual APMI International Golf Tournament, followed by the Opening Reception, where colleagues, old and new, gathered to build bridges, renew acquaintances, and welcome the student conference grant recipients.
During the Opening General Session, MPIF Executive Director/CEO James Adams welcomed delegates and encouraged them to take advantage of everything the conferences had to offer - participate, interact, and start discussions during the over 200 technical presentations.
MPIF President Mike Stucky, Norwood Medical, provided an overview of the current state of the PM industry in North America. “As an industry, it is our responsibility to share knowledge for the advancement of the technology,” Stucky stated. “We need to embrace new opportunities with open arms, not run from the challenges.” Read the complete report at State of the PM Industry in North America—2024.
Damon West relayed what it is to “Be a Coffee Bean,” a keynote speech that many said was the most inspirational and thought-provoking presentation that they had ever heard. Damon’s message was to change your surroundings by being active and supporting those around you to make your community better, precisely the goal and reason that PowderMet and AMPM conferences are held annually, to make the PM community better by supporting and building knowledge through technical discussions and networking. The Consolidation Celebration “Take me out to the ballgame” provided delegates with another networking opportunity to build both professional and personal relationships.
Another unforgettable PM conference is in the books. MPIF now has its sights on PowderMet2025 and AMPM2025, June 15-18, in Phoenix, Arizona! The Call for Papers and Posters is now open. Visit PowderMet2025.org for more details. Watch this video to see what you can expect!
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